Electrostatic Belt Drive Eliminates Brush Chafing Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission systems in image forming apparatuses experience chafing sounds due to the use of conductive brushes, which are necessary to create an electrostatic attraction force between driving rollers and belts, leading to inefficiencies and noise.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission apparatus utilizing pulleys with electrodes and insulating layers, where a belt with a conductor and dielectric layer is electrostatically attracted to the pulleys, eliminating the need for conductive brushes and reducing chafing sounds by employing an electrostatic attraction force for efficient power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conductive brush is used to create electrostatic attraction between driving pulley and belt, then power transmission is achieved, but chafing sound is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the conductive brush from the system entirely. Instead of using a brush to create electrostatic attraction, the invention applies voltage directly to the driving pulley, which generates electrostatic attraction with the belt without requiring physical contact with a brush. This eliminates the source of chafing sound while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (conductive brush physically touching the belt) with an electrostatic field-based system. By applying voltage to the driving pulley, an electrostatic field is created that attracts the belt without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating friction and chafing sounds while still achieving power transmission.
2Productivity
If electrostatic attraction is used to transmit power, then efficiency is improved, but chafing sound occurs due to brush contact
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive brush is completely removed from the system. The invention achieves electrostatic attraction by applying voltage directly to the driving pulley, which creates an electrostatic field that acts on the belt without requiring a brush. This maintains high power transmission efficiency while eliminating the chafing sound generated by brush-belt contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical brush contact system is replaced with a pure electrostatic field system. The driving pulley, when voltage is applied, generates an electrostatic field that attracts the belt, enabling power transmission without mechanical contact. This substitution maintains efficiency while eliminating the harmful chafing sound.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively transmits power with reduced noise and increased efficiency by using electrostatic attraction between the pulleys and belt, enhancing the durability and accuracy of the power transmission mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic attraction force acts between the belt and driving pulley
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic attraction force acts between the belt and driven pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission apparatus includes a first pulley and a second pulley. A belt is extended around them. A supply unit supplies a voltage such that the first pulley and the belt are electrostatically attracted and that the second pulley and the belt are electrostatically attracted. The belt includes a conductor layer. At least one pulley includes a first electrode to which a first voltage is applied and a second electrode that is insulated from the first electrode and to which a second voltage is applied. An insulating layer or a dielectric layer is arranged between the conductor layer of the belt and the first electrode of the at least one pulley and an insulating layer or a dielectric layer is arranged between the conductor layer of the belt and the second electrode of the at least one pulley.